Tena koutou,

Ko Lloyd toku ingoa.

I was born in Mohua (Golden Bay) and spent my childhood “In the Bay”, as did my parents, their parents, and their parents before them.  Holidays were always at Totaranui in Abel Tasman National Park.  My two brothers and I grew to know the park like our backyard and had many childhood adventures exploring the park, gathering kai moana, and feeling at one with the whenua, living in a world of many birds and trees.

I moved to Whakatu at age 16 where I lived for a few years before marrying and then moving to Wellington where I spent 30 years.  After my wife’s passing in 2011, I returned to my spiritual home, my wairua in Whakatu.

I met my beautiful partner Jude in 2018 and together we have embarked on a journey with the purchase of Fossil Creek Farm and the decision to open the farm for the care of people and the animals.

My career has many chapters, all of which has provided the development and background required to assist Jude in her dream of owning horses, caring for people especially those with mental health disabilities.  My own dream is to restore the whenua, and wai of Fossil Creek Farm.

I have worked in Government, privately owned businesses and local government businesses in administrative and managerial positions, leading teams of up to 30 people.  A large percentage of this time was in leading teams of gardeners, mow operators and sport grounds people maintaining parks, and sport parks in the Hutt Valley, Tasman and Nelson.

Owning and operating a farm was completely foreign to me and a challenge, as I admit I’m not a great DIY person.  However, I have very supportive friends and family who come to my assistance when required, and Mr Google as a trusty standby.

I love the personal challenge of managing and maintaining the farm and the animals, the physical work, the bird life, the huge Totara trees, the streams, the secluded spots where native plants are making a come back.  The farm is in my soul and heart, and the work we are doing with the Trust is an extension of what we have here and enjoy on a daily basis.  We gain much pleasure from sharing the farm with those seeking a safe, healing, natural environment filled with aroha and empathy.